AUSTIN, Texas — A suspect was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force with assistance from Austin Police Department (APD) Air Support, K9, and the Texas Department of Public Safety at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The arrest follows a shooting incident at Club Rodeo where a Caldwell County deputy was killed.
On January 4, 2026, at approximately 2:09 a.m., APD officers responded to a Public Safety Assist Code 3 call at 9515 North Lamar Blvd. The call reported that an officer from another agency had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, a deputy with the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, in the parking lot with trauma to his body. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, according to a press release from the department.
The investigation is in its early stages, and detectives believe the deputy was shot by an unknown suspect who remains at large. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any witnesses or suspects who may have been at Club Rodeo at the time. They are also requesting any cell phone or social media videos and photos that may capture the moments surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Austin Police Department Homicide Tip Line at 512-477-3588. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest. A news conference is planned for the afternoon of Monday, January 5, 2026, stated the source.